So, despite the name of my blog, contact dermatitis is not a true allergy.  There are no allergic antibodies involved in contact dermatitis; rather, white blood cells entering into the skin cause the reaction.

I must admit, I really had NO idea what I was in for when I entered my dermatologist’s office on a Friday afternoon.  Very quickly, I realized that this was NOT going to be a fun and carefree weekend.  Basically, a whole bunch of (for me, 51) chemicals are stuck to your back with tape.  Here’s what it looks like (not my back).

Patch Test Back

The patch test remains on the skin for at least 48 hours.  In my case, until the following Monday.  In the meantime, the tape cannot get wet, so, you guessed it…no showers.  On the bright side, I became quite the expert “sponge bather”.  After about 24 hours, things started to go a bit downhill.  As you might imagine, your back gets really itchy and uncomfortable.  But it’s all worth it, really, truly it is!

Before you know it (insert sarcasm here) Monday arrives and it’s off with the tape and patches.  Let me just say how immensely satisfying that moment is.  Savor it, you made it through!  In fact, I asked the assistant if anyone ever ripped off the patches in a fit of itchiness before the test was over?  Answer…YES!  Wow, what a waste of time and money, but I guess I can understand.

So this is what a Patch Test result looks like (this IS my back)…

Patch Test 1

Here’s the fun part, actually finding out what the culprits are.  In my case, fragrance, botanicals, nickel, cobalt, formaldehyde releasing preservatives and Neosporin.  Though the big trouble makers are the fragrances and botanicals that were in EVERYTHING I was using.  Here’s a closer and grosser look at a positive result (I believe this one was nickel).

Patch Test Closeup

Although the process is really kind of the pits, finding out what substances you react to is extremely valuable information to have.  So, if you suspect you’re struggling with contact dermatitis…go get tested, NOW.  Oh, and be sure to leave a comment or email me @ robyn829(at)yahoo(dot)com (writing it out to avoid spammers).  I want to hear all about your experience.

You can find a local physician who performs patch testing here.